Preparation of FeO(OH) modified with polyethylene glycol and its catalytic activity on the reduction of nitrobenzene with hydrazine hydrate

Abstract

Iron oxyhydroxide was prepared by dropping ammonia water to Fe(NO3)3.9H2O dispersed in polyethylene glycol (PEG) 1000. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and laser particle size analyzer. The results showed the catalyst modified with polyethylene glycol was amorphous. The addition of PEG during the preparation make the particle size of the catalyst was smaller and more uniform. The catalytic performance was tested in the reduction of nitroarenes to corresponding amines with hydrazine hydrate, and the catalyst showed excellent activity and stability.